This session includes three presentations. Aquatic weed control FAQs (Dr. Ben Sperry, formerly University of Florida, now US Army Corps of Engineers) addresses questions frequently asked by stakeholders related to aquatic weed control. What to look for in water quality when trying to manage and learn more about ecosystem specific algal blooms (Sam Sardes, SOLitude Lake Management) reviews the different water quality parameters that are important when examining algae blooms. Kill the weeds, not the fish (Dr. Chuck Cichra, University of Florida) provides an overview of how freshwater ponds function, the effects of aquatic plants (algae, submersed macrophytes, and floating vegetation) on dissolved oxygen, and how this information can be used to minimize fish kills when aquatic weeds are being managed.

This session includes four presentations. Biological control: The basics (Kristen Bowers, University of Florida) describes how biological control works by reuniting invasive species with their coevolved natural enemies. Hydrilla IPM: A proven concept (Dr. Jim Cuda, University of Florida) outlines the strategy of integrating a biocontrol agent, a native fungal pathogen and the herbicide imazamox for hydrilla control. Flea beetles and the nationwide fight against alligatorweed (Chelsea Bohaty, US Army Corps of Engineers) discusses the history of the alligatorweed flea beetle and how it is used to manage alligatorweed throughout the United States. Biocontrol of waterhyacinth in south Florida (Dr. Ashley Goode, formerly USDA ARS Invasive Plants Research Laboratory, now University of Florida) focuses on how waterhyacinth biocontrol agents can reduce plant biomass and growth rate, while necessitating less herbicide usage (reducing both application rate and number of applications per year).

This session includes four presentations. Why herbicides fail (Dr. Jay Ferrell, University of Florida) focuses on some of the reasons that herbicide applications may have reduced efficacy or may fail altogether. Using triploid grass carp as a biocontrol (Mike Sowinski, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) discusses the advantages and disadvantages of stocking grass carp, feeding preferences, stocking rates, and basic grass carp biology. Aquatic herbicides in lake sediments (Dr. Bill Haller, University of Florida) investigates the disappearance of submersed aquatic vegetation (SAV) in Lake Istokpoga and present information on aquatic herbicide half-lives, absorption coefficients to organic carbon and the history of aquatic herbicide use on Lake Istokpoga and West Lake Toho. WOTUS and SCOTUS: what they mean to aquatic plant managers (Carlton Layne, Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Foundation) outlines how federal decisions made by SCOTUS (the Supreme Court of the United States) regarding WOTUS (Waters of the United States) will affect aquatic resource managers.

This session includes four presentations. Calibrating hydrilla mechanical harvest operations performance on Lake Tohopekaliga (Dr. James Leary, University of Florida) describes a pilot project to monitor hydrilla harvest operations and how early results may guide longer-term aquatic plant management programs. “Peroxides” for cyanobacteria and algae management (Tom Warmuth, BioSafe Systems) focuses on mode of action, application methods and recommended equipment, tank mixing and compatible tank partners, safety and handling of these chemistries. Reducing herbicide use in Martin County STAs (Andrew Luering, Ecological Associates, Inc.) compares the effectiveness of mechanical, glyphosate, and a combination of mechanical and alternative herbicide weed control treatments on invasive exotic plant coverage at three managed marshes. Stormwater ponds: abundant habitat for invasive plants (Dr. Basil Iannone, University of Florida) discusses how these engineered ecosystems, which are designed to provide flood control and limit pollutant/nutrient runoff from urban landscapes from entering natural water bodies, may provide suitable habitats for invasive plants.

This session includes three presentations. Dr. James Leary (University of Florida) covers precision aquatic weed control, with a focus on using GPS, high resolution spatio-temporal records, hydroacoustic monitoring and software to maximize efficiency and efficacy of aquatic weed control operations. Dr. Ben Sperry (US Army Corps of Engineers) discusses concentration-exposure time requirements for subsurface herbicide applications to control the floating plants waterhyacinth and waterlettuce. Kelli Gladding (University of Florida) finishes the session with a review of techniques to manage invasive floating plants while preserving native species such as spatterdock and fragrant waterlily.

This 100-minute session has one speaker. Dr. West Bishop from SePRO provides an overview of algae, from identification to negative impacts associated therewith, along with management options.

This 100-minute recording has three speakers. Joe Sigmon from the University of Florida discusses
“Illinois pondweed ecotype evaluations” and how this information may be useful for plant selection in
areas targeted for restoration. Jennifer Bishop from the University of Florida covers “Apple snails in
Florida” and outlines how to identify native and invasive species on apple snails, along with the feeding
habits of both snails. Dr. Megan Reid from the University of Florida presents “Integrated management of
water hyacinth in Florida”. In this presentation, the integrated use of management techniques will be discussed to build an understanding of how these methods can be optimized to complement rather than
restrict one another.

Dr. Lyn Gettys (University of Florida) discusses approximately 30 invasive and easily confused aquatic species in this special session. She describes how to identify these plants by key characteristics, where you are likely to find them and current best management practices including any biocontrol agents, effects of mechanical control, etc.

Dr. Lyn Gettys (University of Florida) will introduce attendees to more than 40 species of plants that are common or uncommon in Florida’s lakes, ponds and waterways. These plants are different from those discussed in the regular Aquatic Weed Control Short Course plant identification sessions and will focus on native plants that should be protected and preserved during weed control operations to maintain healthy aquatic habitats and ecosystems. Part 1 includes terminology, taxonomy, classification and descriptions of twenty wetland trees, shrubs, and marginal/littoral zone plants, along with suggested propagation methods for these species. Part 2 continues with descriptions of twenty-two marginal/littoral zone plants and rushes, plus submersed, floating and floating-leaved plants, along with suggested propagation methods for these species.